Best material for outdoor furniture
When choosing outdoor furniture, it is essential to consider the material that best suits our needs and the climate in which we live. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make an informed decision. In this blog, we will compare the most popular materials used in outdoor furniture: aluminum, polypropylene resin, steel and resin wicker. We’ll evaluate their pros and cons, and highlight which material is best depending on the type of weather. Let’s dive into the world of outdoor furniture!
| Characteristics | Aluminum | Polypropylene Resin | Steel | Resin Wicker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy to reorganize | Lightweight and easy to move | Very light and easy to move | Heavy and difficult to move | Lightweight and easy to move |
| Weather Resistance | Excelent | Excelent | Good | Good |
| Wind Resistance | Good | Good | Excelent | Good |
| Fade Resistance | Good | Excelent | Good | Good |
| Water resistance | Excelent | Excelent | Good | Excelent |
| Rust Resistance | Rust-proof | A Rust-proof | Prone to rust | Rust-proof |
| Aesthetically pleasing | Modern and elegant | Versatile and colorful | Industrial and modern | Natural and elegant |
| Comfort | Good | Excelent | Good | Excelent |
| Durability | Very durable | Very durable | Very durable | Very durable |
| Low Maintenance | Low | Very low | Medium | Low |
| Price | Moderated | Accessible | Moderated | Moderated |
| Ideal weather | Warm, Wet | All | Dry climate | Moderated climate |
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, strong metal that is commonly used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. It is known for its resistance to rust and its ease of being molded into various designs and styles.
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to move :Similar to polypropylene resin, aluminum is lightweight and easy to rearrange
- Weather and rust resistant: Aluminum does not rust and withstands the weather well
- Low maintenance:: Low maintenance and easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Can become very hot under direct sun exposure
- Although durable, may not be as comfortable without cushions
Ideal weather
- Warm and humid: Aluminum performs well in hot and humid climates due to its resistance to rust.
Polypropylene resin
Polypropylene resin is a type of tough plastic that is widely used in outdoor furniture. It is known for its durability, weather resistance and flexibility in terms of design and color.
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to move: Polypropylene resin is extremely lightweight, making it easy to rearrange furniture.
- Weather resistance: This material is highly resistant to all types of weather conditions, including exposure to sun and rain.
- Fade resistance: Unlike other materials, polypropylene resin does not fade easily with exposure to the sun.
- Aesthetically versatile: Available in a variety of colors and styles, this material can adapt to any exterior design.
- Comfort: Polypropylene resin is comfortable to sit on without the need for additional cushions.
- Durability and low maintenance: It is an extremely durable material that requires very little maintenance.
- More affordable price: Compared to other materials, polypropylene resin is very affordable.
Disadvantages
May be perceived as less luxurious in comparison to natural materials such as teak or real wicker
Ideal weather
Polypropylene resin adapts well to any climate, whether hot, cold, wet or dry.
Steel
Steel is a strong and durable material that is often used in outdoor furniture. It can be treated to resist rust and comes in various styles, from modern to rustic.
Advantages
- Wind resistance: Its weight makes it very stable in windy conditions.
- Durability: Very strong and durable
Disadvantages
- Rust-prone: needs regular maintenance to prevent rusting
- Heavy: Difficult to move and reorganize
- Medium maintenance: Requires a little more care to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Ideal weather
- Dry climate: Steel is ideal for dry climates where humidity will not be a problem for rusting.
Resin wicker
Resin wicker is a synthetic alternative to natural wicker. It is manufactured from woven plastic resin fibers, which gives it a natural appearance.
Advantages
- Aesthetically pleasing: offers a natural and elegant appearance
- Weather resistance: Resists exposure to sun and rain well.
- Rust-proof: Rust-proof and water-resistant
Disadvantages
- May be less durable compared to aluminum or steel.
- May require cushions for comfort
Ideal weather
- Moderate Climate: Resin wicker is best in moderate climates, where it does not face extreme weather conditions.
After comparing these materials, the polypropylene resin, stands out as the best material for outdoor furniture due to its combination of durability, weather resistance, ease of maintenance and affordability. It is a versatile and practical option that adapts to a wide variety of styles and needs, providing excellent value for money. In addition, its ability to adapt to any type of climate makes it the most recommended option for all users.
